The option of holding a viewing is available to you regardless of whether or not you want to cremate the body or carry out more traditional funeral rites. There is no need to discontinue the time-honored practice of holding a viewing of the deceased before the funeral service. Everything comes down to the choice made by the family of the person who has passed away; if they want a viewing, it takes place; if they don't, they move on with other things. If you make the decision to hold a viewing, you can get in touch with cremation services in Lancaster, PA. 

What Exactly is a Viewing? 

There is nothing overly sophisticated about what a viewing entails.  It is nothing more than a get-together of the departed person's friends and family members who wish to pay their last respects to the person who has passed away. This may be a memorable occasion for you to say your farewells. It's an excellent time to talk about old times, play some of your favorite songs, look at old pictures, and share some anecdotes. Following long-established customs, the viewing comes just before the funeral, which takes place just before the burial. 

What Occurs at a Viewing? 

During a viewing, it is usual for the funeral home to make a room available for the family to meet with friends and family members who have traveled to pay their respects and express their condolences. In this room, the departed person's relatives can gather together to eat, drink, and reflect on the times they spent with the loved one who has passed away. The viewing is not nearly as solemn or formal as the funeral itself. In most cases, as a body is being viewed, people will come and leave during the process. At other times, individuals maintain a solemn silence while seated, while at other times, they converse, joke, and share recollections. The viewing duration can range from a few minutes to several hours. It is also possible for it to continue for several days, depending on the program. 

Is There a Possibility of Having a Viewing Before the Cremation? 

A viewing for the departed might occur before their remains' cremation. This is something that can be arranged. Unembalmed corpses cannot be viewed in public. Only close relatives and friends can attend the viewing if the deceased is not embalmed. This exclusive group usually has 10 people. The kin chooses this limited group's members. Close relatives are frequently consulted before making such a decision. A person's spouse, minor children, parents, and siblings are included. The number of mourners at an embalmed body viewing is unlimited. It's open. 

Is There a Difference Between Viewing and Witnessing? 

It's important to distinguish the viewing before a cremation from witnessing the cremation process. In contrast, a "witness cremation" is reserved for just the most immediate family members who choose to be present at the time of the cremation. 

It is possible to have a viewing of the deceased before the cremation process starts. As a matter of fact, this is the norm in our contemporary world. For inquiries about this, you can get in touch with cremation services in Lancaster, PA.